Are you or someone you know waiting for their A-level results? Maybe Durham could be the next step. Our Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen O'Brien writes.
It is now less than a month until A-level results day, and thousands of young people across our region are considering their next step.
If you are one of those young people, or know one of those young people, I say: think Durham.
University is an opportunity to both broaden your horizons and boost your earning potential.
At Durham University, you will meet and learn with people from all over the world, in a world-class university, right here in wonderful North East England and historic Durham City.
Our colleges offer vibrant, welcoming communities where students can belong and thrive. Studies show our students are among the most satisfied of any UK university.
In addition, employers worldwide want Durham graduates. Nearly 90 per cent of our graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduation.
We will support you to thrive
We know university can seem expensive. We are here to help.
Our Durham Grant Scheme (DGS), for students from low- and middle-income households, is among the most generous in the UK. Last year, nearly a third of our UK undergraduates received some level of DGS payment. More than half of those received the highest level, which for entry this autumn is £2,721.
We have also expanded our scholarships for students from our region, including the Fiona Hill Scholarship, supported by our Chancellor.
When I applied to Durham as a local student, the University had a very different mindset, and wasn't particularly interested in trying to appeal to me as a place I could belong and succeed. Today that is a different story thanks to the efforts of countless local and working-class students, who are working with the University every day to make Durham more welcoming and supportive. Durham University recognises it exists in the context of a working-class county with a proud industrial heritage and is striving more than ever to embrace that and give back rather than distance itself.
If you have not applied to us for this year, don't worry. Places for some courses will be available through Clearing. Visit our website, www.durham.ac.uk/clearing, for all the details.
I wish you every success for your A-level results, and we hope to welcome you to Durham.
